The Trump administration bombed three facilities in Iran tonight, an act of war that violated the constitutional authority of the United States Congress and potentially positioned us for worse long-term conflict. The targets included two uranium enrichment / production sites and a nuclear research complex.
According to the Iranian government, most of the uranium stockpile the U.S. targeted was moved before the strikes. The U.S. Intelligence Community has found no evidence that Iran is developing nuclear weapons.
Following the act of war, Donald Trump addressed the nation alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President J.D. Vance. He ended his remarks by asking that God bless Israel.
This is the first U.S. conflict with Iran since 2020, when Trump orchestrated the murder of Iranian Quds force commander Qasem Soleimani.
In the hours that follow, Republicans claim that the War Powers Resolution gives the president the power to take military action so long as he notifies Congress within 48 hours. That is simply not true.
The War Powers Resolution says a president can only send the armed forces into action against an enemy if Congress has declared a war, with a specific statutory authorization by Congress, or following an attack on our country.
Only if the United States is actively under attack can the president act without Congress’s approval. This is when the 48-hour timeline becomes relevant.
Sources
X – Explanation of the War Powers Resolution from a former U.S. lawmaker
